darkfa8
Key Veteran
Location: Eatontown, NJ, USA
| Radio: Futaba 7CHF (this radio can transmit in FM or PCM, the 7CHP model comes with a PCM capable receiver and is a bit more money) w/ four S3151 digital servos ($279.99 towerhobbies.com), the Futaba 6EXH with four S3151 digital servos ($199.99 towerhobbies.com) or JR 6102 w/ four S537DS digital servos ($299 horizonhobby.com).. btw, Tower is running a discount program too...
Both brands have been around a long time. My personal preference is the Futaba since I've used their products since the early 1990's when I was into RC cars. However, I did have a JR radio at one point and I especially liked the ergonomic way it felt in my hands. I've since handled a 9303 and they seem to have retained that nice ergonomic field. I currently use a 9CHP.
These radios, while having the capability of storing more models are both computerized which makes setting things up much easier. They're both very popular, prevalent and easy to use. I've looked at Airtronic's radios and I just wasn't enthusiastic by the non-intuitive menu system. People who have used Airtronics for a long time obviously "get it" more quickly then a JR or Futaba user.
The Futaba 6EXH is a very paired down heli radio and offers very basic functions, only two flight modes (normal and one idle-up) and a Throttle Hold for autos. Yes, it's cheap but in my opinion, the interface and overall prevalence of the 7CHP or 6102 is worth the extra $80-$90.
If you can afford it, getting digital servos, especially for the eCCPM type of mixing the Tiger has will benefit you in several ways. First of all, the digital servos have a quicker response and bettery overall accuracy, this includes good centering compaired to the cheaper analog servos. Since the servos are all tied to the swash plate with 2 direct links and one 2-piece linkage on the elevator, having a accurate servo is important since they all work in unison. The standard digitals that come with the radios I listed above are perfect for this application. You can also tailor their responsiveness if you feel they're too twitchy for you around center by dialing in some Exponential percentage. This will soften their response around center but still give you complete authority if you want to get aggressive.
Gyro: I'm not as familiar with JR's gyros as I am with the Futaba line, but the most popular Futaba is the GY401 ($219.99 towerhobbies.com) and it comes with the venearable S9254 digital servo. The GY401, while slightly more expensive then the 201 version has better centering, it better suited to trying backwards flight without having the tail blow out, it's well packaged, easy to setup and operate and if you do decide to change to something else.. which most people don't, it has great resale value.
I know some people like the CSM series of gyros, and I haven't checked their latest designs, but last I saw they were just very bulky in comparison to the Futaba gy401.
Investing in quality electronics will pay off with ease of use, other pilots being able to set things up and resale value.
Blades: While carbon blades are touted as a "must have", wood blades will take you into mild 3D and can handle the stress. So, if you're not headed towards 3D, woodies will last you a long time. If you start getting very aggressive in aerobatic routines the carbons will help make the manuevers more crisp since they're obviously more resiliant and stiff compaired to the wood blades.
A good upgrade after you get some flight time are a good set of carbon tail blades. The plastic ones do the job, but are flimsy in comparison. The carbons give excellent tail authority and really allow you to see how well the gyro is doing it's job. Combine that with the Tiger's designed-in high gear ratio for the tail and it has the most tail authority in it's class. 92mm and 95mm blades will fit the Tiger. I run 95mm NHP Pros ($25).
All of this stuff you can save money on if you search through the classifieds on here or put up a wanted ad. You can also check a few other web site classifieds (rcuniverse, rcgroups, helifreak or even on Ebay)
You can get all of this stuff, including blades for 30-40% or more off retail if you just search around.
Also, if it is a concern you can mix and match Futaba radios with JR gyros/servos or vice-versa.
- Dan G. - |
